Cool MateCheck vs Keep an eye on the clock
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Check
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Keep an eye on the clock
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Check
| Check | Keep an eye on the clock | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/tʃek/","/tʃeks/","/tʃekt/","/ˈtʃekɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tʃek/","/tʃeks/","/tʃekt/","/ˈtʃekɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //kiːp ən aɪ ɒn ðə klɒk//🇺🇸 //kip ən aɪ ɑn ðə klɑk// |
| Meaning | To look at something to see if it's correct or okay. | To watch the time carefully. |
| Example | Please check your answers before submitting the test. | You should keep an eye on the clock during the exam. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | always, daily, periodically, had better, must, need to, against, for, with, be worth checking, check to see if, check to see whether, always, daily, periodically, had better, must, need to, against, for, with, be worth checking, check to see if, check to see whether, simply, mentally, off | keep an eye on time, keep an eye on details, keep an eye on someone |
| Antonyms | ignore, disregard | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'cheque' in British English., Using 'check' as a noun without proper context., Incorrectly conjugating 'check' in the past tense. | Confused with 'keep an eye on' without specifying what to watch., Using 'clock' in a non-timely context., Missing the sense of vigilance in the phrase. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts such as checking information, verifying facts, or inspecting items. Avoid using in very formal writing; instead, opt for 'verify' or 'inspect.' | Use this phrase when reminding someone to pay attention to the time. It's informal and may not be appropriate in very formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Check vs Keep an eye on the clock
What's the difference between Check and Keep an eye on the clock?
Check: To look at something to see if it's correct or okay. Keep an eye on the clock: To watch the time carefully.
Which is more common: Check and Keep an eye on the clock?
Check is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Check: Please check your answers before submitting the test. Keep an eye on the clock: You should keep an eye on the clock during the exam.
Can I use Check and Keep an eye on the clock interchangeably?
Not always. Check and Keep an eye on the clock are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.